Training system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a training system comprising a user terminal for executing training for user skill acquisition by using music data of an original work; a trainer terminal for generating training information for user skill acquisition; and a server for carrying out communications with the user terminal and the trainer terminal via a network, wherein the trainer terminal generates training information related to music data of an original work based on instructions from a trainer, and sends it to the server, the server distributes the received training information to the user terminal, and the user terminal repeatedly plays back the original work music data based on the distributed training information.

CROSS-REFERENCES

The present invention relates to a method for supporting the learning ofmusical compositions and other original works, and a system forrealizing this method.

BACKGROUND

Today, music and other original works are recorded as music data onrecording media such as CD-ROM (hereinafter referred to as “CD”) andsold the world over. If a user has a CD player or other such playbacksystem or a computer equipped with multimedia functions, he can enjoymusic from all over the world just by purchasing the desired CDs.

In addition, large numbers of these users not only enjoy listening tomusic, but also sing original works as karaoke songs and form bands toperform these songs. These users practice while listening to the songson playback systems, and more particularly, they often practice by usingthe rewind function to repeatedly play back parts of a song.

Further, when a user wishes to improve his singing capabilities orperforming skills, he can also receive specialized educational services.For example, there are lessons given by specialized schools andindividual instructors. In the lessons, there are also times whenoriginal works are used as teaching materials. In this case, since auser can practice a song while receiving advice from a trainer, whopossesses specialized knowledge, he not only effectively learns anoriginal work, but can also enhance his own singing capabilities andperforming skills.

Accordingly, as described hereinabove, when a user attempts to learn anoriginal work or when a user attempts to learn a desired skill throughan original work, most often he practices while repeatedly playing backa song in parts using the rewind function of the playback system.However, operating the playback system or computer while singing orperforming a song is difficult and complicated work, and as a result ofthis, the user is apt to be unable to concentrate on his practice.Further, when a user with poor singing abilities or performing skillssuddenly tries to learn an original work, most often he is not able tolearn it the way he had hoped due to a lack of talent. Conversely, evenif a very experienced user is able to learn an original work to the bestof his ability, the truth is that he is still not able to determine hislevel of learning, and is not likely to detect his own shortcomings andfaults.

Accordingly, in order to solve for the problems inherent in learning atthe individual level, methods for receiving lessons from specializedschools or individual instructors as described hereinabove have alsobeen proposed. However, lessons by specialized schools or individualinstructors as described hereinabove are generally expensive, makingthem problematic from the standpoint of cost. Further, users must go tothe trouble of traveling to a school or classroom, giving rise tophysical and time-related problems.

Thus, the problems with a user purchasing an original work to learn iton his own is that, although he can study informally and inexpensivelyin his own home, the playback task that accompanies learning istroublesome, and he is limited by his own capabilities. By contrast,although a user can expect effective learning by taking lessons from anexpert, this gives rise to the problems of costs and time.

Furthermore, at specialized educational service providers, trainers, whopossesses the expert knowledge, provides training to enable users toacquire musical and other skills. However, for educational services suchas these, the training venue and time are liable to be limited so thatthe trainer and user can proceed ahead with face-to-face training. Forthis reason, methods such as distance learning can also be considered,but an effective distance learning method that is capable of providingtraining, which enables a user to acquire a desired skill through themedium of an original work, and which is closely tailored to anindividual user's desires and level of ability has yet to be proposed.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide ascheme, which either enables a user, who has purchased an original work,to effectively learn this original work, or enables a user toeffectively acquire a desired skill through the medium of an originalwork.

Further, a second object of the present invention is to provide a schemefor enabling a provider, who provides musical and other educationalservices, to provide a training method that makes use of original worksand does not limit the training venue and time.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a training system comprising a user terminalfor executing training for user skill acquisition using targeted data ofan original work, a trainer terminal for generating training informationfor user skill acquisition, and a server for carrying out communicationswith a user terminal and a trainer terminal via a network, theabove-mentioned trainer terminal comprising generating means forgenerating, based on a command from a trainer, training informationrelated to the targeted data of an original work, and transmitting meansfor transmitting generated training information to the server, theabove-mentioned server comprising distributing means for distributingreceived training information to a user terminal, and theabove-mentioned user terminal comprising playback means for repeatedlyplaying back the targeted data of an original work based on distributedtraining information.

Furthermore, the targeted data is determined according to the contentsof an original work, and when the original work is music, corresponds tomusic data.

Further, it is preferable that a user terminal comprise not only aplayback function, but also, as needed, a display function, an audiorecording function, a comparative playback function and an evaluationfunction. A user terminal will be able to implement more effectivetraining using these functions.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned generated training informationcomprise break information for showing optional breaks in the targeteddata, and that the above-mentioned user terminal playback meansrepeatedly play back the targeted data on the basis of the breakinformation included in the distributed training information.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned generated training informationcomprise a control program for controlling the playback of the targeteddata based on the break information, and that the above-mentioned userterminal playback means reference the break information in accordancewith the control program included in the distributed traininginformation, specify a playback part within the targeted data andrepeatedly play back the specified part. This makes it possible to skipa part that is not required for a user's training and to repeat asneeded a part that is required.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned generated training informationcomprise additional information to be played back in association withthe targeted data, and that the above-mentioned user terminal furthercomprise outputting means for outputting the additional information inassociation with the targeted data in accordance with the controlprogram included in the distributed training information.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned server further comprisebilling/payment means for executing billing to a user and payment to atrainer in accordance with the distribution status of the traininginformation.

Further, it is preferable that the above-mentioned generated traininginformation comprise characteristic information of the above-mentionedmusic data, which is extracted in accordance with a predeterminedextraction condition from music data corresponding to the traininginformation, and that the above-mentioned user terminal further comprisedetermination means for extracting, in accordance with theabove-mentioned extraction condition, music data characteristicinformation from music data targeted for playback, and for determiningwhether or not this extracted characteristic information coincides withcharacteristic information included in the above-mentioned distributedtraining information.

Further, the present invention is a training method for a trainingsystem comprising a user terminal for executing training for user skillacquisition using targeted data of an original work, a trainer terminalfor generating training information for user skill acquisition, and aserver for carrying out communications with a user terminal and atrainer terminal via a network, this training method being characterizedin that the above-mentioned trainer terminal generates, based on acommand from a trainer, training information related to the targeteddata of an original work, and transmits this generated traininginformation to the server, the above-mentioned server distributesreceived training information to a user terminal, and theabove-mentioned user terminal repeatedly plays back the targeted data ofan original work based on distributed training information.

Further, the above invention also comprises a program for achievingprescribed functions in a computer, and a recording medium in which thisprogram is recorded. Further, means in this specification can berealized by hardware, software or a combination of hardware andsoftware. Implementation by a combination of hardware and software, forexample, corresponds to implementation in a computer system having aprescribed program. Also, a function possessed by one means can berealized by two or more pieces of hardware, software, or combinations ofhardware and software, and the functions of two or more means can berealized by one piece of hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an overview of a training system forrealizing a scheme related to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the constitution of a server;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing the constitution of a userterminal;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the constitution of a trainerterminal;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data structures of databases;

FIG. 6 is a diagram representing examples of break information that hasbeen set;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a break information table;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a control program;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of training informationgeneration processing;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of training informationregistration processing;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of training informationreception processing;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of training informationdistribution processing;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration oftraining information transmitted by the server 10;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing training information-based music dataplayback processing;

FIG. 15 is a diagram representing examples of training informationsearch screens displayed on the screen of a user terminal 20;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a training start screendisplayed on the screen of a terminal 20;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a training execution screendisplayed on the screen of a terminal 20;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a user profile registrationscreen displayed on the screen of a terminal 20;

FIG. 19 is a diagram representing an overview of the configuration of ascheme related to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing music data playback processing related toa third embodiment.

Furthermore, in the figures, reference numeral 10 refers to a trainingdistribution server, 20 to a user terminal, 30 to a trainer terminal, 40to the Internet, and 50 to a recording medium (music data).

DETAILD DESCRIPTION

Next, the embodiments of the present invention will be explained whilereferring to the figures.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment is characterized in that training information relatedto an original work (break information, control program, additionalinformation) prepared by a trainer possessing specialized knowledge isdistributed over the Internet to a user, who has purchased the originalwork. Since the user can repeatedly play back the original work usingthe training information prepared by the trainer, it becomes possiblefor the user to more effectively learn the original work, and to moreeffectively acquire a desired skill through the original work.

ORIGINAL WORK

The term original work typically refers to a work of art, such as musicor images that are protected by the Copyright Act. In this embodiment,the explanation is given for a case in which the original work is asong. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as longas the original work is one that is well suited to training based onrepeated playback, the present invention can arbitrarily be applied tothis work. For example, the present invention can also be applied tolanguage learning, movies, recitation, a musician, and comic dialogue.Furthermore, in addition to music information, an original work(targeted data) can also comprise moving-picture and still-pictureinformation, the types of information being determined by the content ofthe original work and the type of medium. Further, in this embodiment,an original work is recorded in a file format, such as MP3, MPEG or thelike, but the data format is not limited to these formats.

OVERVIEW OF SCHEME

Next, an overview of a scheme related to the present invention will beexplained. FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an overview of a trainingsystem (hereinafter called the “system”) for realizing a scheme relatedto the present invention. The system is configured by establishingcommunications links between a server 10 for distributing traininginformation, user terminals 20 and a trainer terminal 30 via a network40, such as the Internet.

The server 10 communicates with the user terminals 20, and distributestraining information related to an original work to the user terminals20. It also communicates with the trainer terminal 30, and receives andregisters trainer-prepared training information. Further, the server 10comprises a management DB (database), a training DB, a user DB, atrainer DB and a billing/payment DB. The management DB is for managingan original work and training information, and stores an original workand training information correspondently. The training DB is for storingtraining information, and stores break information, a control programand additional information and the like. The user DB is for managinguser-related information, and stores a user's personal data, billinginformation, and training history information and the like. The trainerDB is for managing trainer-related information, and stores a trainer'spersonal data, and prepared training information and the like. Further,the billing/payment DB is for calculating and managing the amount billedto a user and the amount paid to a trainer. The data structures forthese DB will be explained hereinbelow.

A user terminal 20 communicates with the server 10, and receivestraining information related to an original work. The terminal 20 readsmusic data from a prescribed recording medium 50, and stores it in aprescribed storage area in an MP3 or other file format. User trainingsoftware (hereinafter referred to as the “training software”) isinstalled on the terminal 20. The training software comprises a playbackfunction for playing back, on the basis of training information, musicdata stored in a prescribed storage area. Further, the training softwarealso comprises a display function for displaying a musical score, whichis additional information, an audio recording function for recording auser's voice and musical performance, an evaluation function forevaluating recorded audio information, and a management function formanaging the progress of a user in accordance with his level ofproficiency.

The trainer terminal 30 communicates with the server 10, and transmitstrainer-prepared training information. Further, the terminal 30 readsmusic data from a prescribed recording medium 50, and stores it in aprescribed storage area in an MP3 or other file format. Traininginformation generation software is installed on the terminal 30.Training information generation software comprises a setup function forsetting up training information corresponding to an original work, thatis, song identification information for identifying music data, breakinformation and a control program, as well as additional information.

Next, an overview of the operation of a system configured as describedhereinabove will be explained. Furthermore, a case in which a userpurchases a music CD, and attempts to master a song A of the music CDwill be given as an example in the explanation provided herein.

First, a trainer generates training information (song identificationinformation, break information, control program, additional informationand so forth) for the song A using training information generationsoftware. Training information can be arbitrarily prepared by a trainer.Using the training information generation software, first a trainer setsthe break information. Break information is information for repeatedlyplaying back the song A, and is a separator for dividing the song A intoarbitrary segments. The song A is repeatedly played back in units (breakunits) separated by the break information. It is supposed here that thebreak information has been set according to the fundamental units of thesong. More specifically, it is supposed that break information is set ateach of six fundamental units, “Intro (break information 1)”→“FirstVerse (break information 2)”→“Second Verse (break information 3)”→“ThirdVerse (break information 4)”→“Fourth Verse (break information5)”→“Ending (break information 6).”

Next, the trainer sets the additional information. Additionalinformation is information that is played back and displayed togetherwith the song A for effective learning. Additional information isoptional information that a trainer can set arbitrarily. For example, itcorresponds to the lyrics (text), musical score (images) and lessoninformation (voice).

Finally, the trainer sets the control program. The control program is aprogram for controlling the operation of a user's terminal 20, andtypically controls the operation of a user's terminal 20 such that thesong A is played back on the basis of the break information. Forexample, the number of times a break unit is played back, or theplayback speed for each break unit can be set as control programsettings. Here it is supposed that “3 times” has been set as therepetition frequency of a break unit, and “First time 70%, second time85% and third time 100%” have been set as the playback speeds.

When break information, a control program, and additional informationare set as described hereinabove, the training information for the songA is complete. The trainer uploads the completed training information tothe server 10 from the terminal 30 (FIG. 1 (1)).

When the server 10 receives the training information, it assigns atraining code for specifying the training information. Then, it makesthe training code correspondent to a song code previously assigned tothe song A and stores it in the management DB. It also makes thetraining information correspondent to the training code and stores it inthe training DB.

Conversely, a user sets a music CD that he purchased at a store in theCD drive of the terminal 20, and copies the data on the music CD to astorage area of the terminal 20 in the MP3 format. Then, the useraccesses the server 10 from the terminal 20, and executes a traininginformation search using the song A on the music CD as a keyword (FIG. 1(2)). When the corresponding training information exists in the server10, the user can download this information (FIG. 1 (3)). Furthermore,the previously described training information prepared by a trainer isdownloaded at this point. When the user downloads the traininginformation, a fee is billed in song units. Further, an amount to bepaid to the trainer is calculated in accordance with the download statusof training information. The amount paid to the trainer increases thegreater the download frequency (FIG. 1 (4)). When the user starts up thetraining software, the song A is repeatedly played back in accordancewith the training information. In other words, first the intro portionof the song A is repeatedly played back three times. In this case, it isplayed back at 70% speed the first time, 85% speed the second time, and100% speed the third time. When the playback of the intro part is over,next the first verse is played back in a similar manner, and thereafter,playback is executed similarly for each break unit.

SERVER CONFIGURATION

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the configuration of the server.The server 10 comprises training information registering means forregistering training information in the training DB; traininginformation distributing means for distributing the training informationin the training DB; user managing means for managing a user; trainermanaging means for managing a trainer; and billing/payment means formanaging billing to a user and payment to a trainer in accordance withthe distribution of training information. Further, it also comprises thepreviously described management DB, training DB, user DB, trainer DB,and billing/payment DB.

USER TERMINAL CONFIGURATION

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing the configuration of a userterminal. In the terminal 20, a CPU 202 for controlling the operation ofthe terminal 20, an HDD 204, communication means 208, memory 210,inputting means 212, a DVD/CD-ROM drive 214, and outputting means 216are connected via a bus 200. The terminal 20 corresponds to ageneral-purpose personal computer. Music data read in from a recordingmedium (CD-ROM) 50 via the DVD/CD-ROM drive 214 is stored in the HDD 204as a song file. Further, training information downloaded from the server10 by way of communications means 204 is also stored in the HDD 204.Further, user training software is stored in the HDD 204 as informationprocessing software for playing back a song file based on traininginformation. Furthermore, music data can also be downloaded viacommunication means 208 from a prescribed server on a network.

Furthermore, the playback of music data in this embodiment will beexplained in terms of music data as song files copied into the HDD 204,but the constitution of the present invention is not limited to this,and can also be applied in cases where music data stored on a recordingmedium (CD-ROM) 50 is played back directly.

TRAINER TERMINAL CONFIGURATION

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the configuration of a trainerterminal. In the terminal 30, a CPU 302 for controlling the operation ofthe terminal 30, an HDD 304, communication means 308, memory 310,inputting means 312, a DVD/CD-ROM drive 314, and outputting means 316are connected via a bus 300. The terminal 30 corresponds to ageneral-purpose personal computer. Music data read in from a recordingmedium 50 via the DVD/CD-ROM drive 314 is stored in the HDD 304 as asong file. Further, training program generation software is stored inthe HDD 304 as information processing software for generating traininginformation for music.

DATABASE DATA STRUCTURE

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of database data structures.

The management DB is storage means for managing music information andtraining information, and is constituted comprising a CD code, titlename, song code, song name, training code, trainer code, downloadfrequency and so forth. Each record is uniquely specified by a songcode. A code for specifying a music CD is stored in the CD code. A codefor specifying a song recorded on a music CD is stored in the song code.A code for specifying training information is stored in the trainingcode. The code of the trainer that generated training information isstored in the trainer code. The number of times training information wasdownloaded is stored in the download frequency. Further, multipletraining information can be generated for a single song, and in thatcase, multiple training codes are made to correspond to the song code.

The training DB is storage means for storing training information, andis constituted comprising a training code, break information, controlinformation (a control program), additional information, songidentification information and so forth. Details of training informationwill be explained hereinbelow.

The user DB is storage means for storing user-related information, andis constituted comprising a user code, user name, billing information,training history information and so forth. Each record is uniquelyspecified by a user code.

The trainer DB is storage means for storing trainer-related information,and is constituted comprising a trainer code, trainer name, a trainingcode assigned to training information prepared by a trainer, a price,download frequency, a time period, payment information and so forth.Each record is uniquely specified by a trainer code. Since a trainer cangenerate a plurality of training information, and when this is the case,data related to a plurality of training information (training codes,prices, and so forth) is linked to the trainer code. Further,trainer-specific training information can also be presented to a user byconducting a search based on a trainer code.

TRAINING INFORMATION

The break information, control program and additional information intraining information will be explained here using FIG. 6 through FIG. 8.Furthermore, the song identification information in training informationwill be explained in the third embodiment. FIG. 6 (A) represents breakinformation (A1 through A8) set as the fundamental units of a piece ofmusic. Further, FIG. 6 (B) represents break information (b1 through b8)set as the bar units of a piece of music. In the case of FIG. 6 (A),repeated playback is done at each of the fundamental units of the“Intro”→“First Verse”→“Second Verse”→“Third Verse”→“FourthVerse”→“Ending.” By contrast, in the case of FIG. 6 (B), a first versecomprising 12 bars is repeatedly played back as a bar unit. Furthermore,a musical piece is divided in accordance with song playback time, andbreak information is stored as time information (00:00, 00:10, 00:50 . .. ).

Next, FIG. 7 (C) is a diagram showing an example of a break informationtable. A break information table is a table for storing time informationand attribute information in a correspondent condition. Breakinformation related to this embodiment is constituted from timeinformation for dividing music data along a time base, and attributeinformation for showing the attributes of music data divided inaccordance with time information. A trainer can arbitrarily set thecontent of attribute information. In FIG. 7, information denoting ageneral composition and information denoting a detailed composition havebeen set, and, in addition, information related to the parts forperforming a piece of music has been set. Furthermore, it is alsopossible to set time information alone as break information, but it ispreferable that attribute information be set in advance to enable therepetitive playback of music data to be precisely controlled on thebasis of time information.

The control program will be explained next. In the control program, itis possible to set not only functions for controlling the playback ofmusic data based on break information, but also various types offunctions that enable an original work to be systematically mastered inaccordance with a user's goals. The functions of this control programare set premised on the functions of the training software installed ona user terminal 20, and examples of functions capable of being set in acontrol program will be explained briefly.

(1) A playback function (basic function) for repeatedly playing backmusic data on the basis of break information.

(2) A playback speed control function for controlling the playback speedof music data.

(3) An automatic modulation function for automatically modulating in anappropriate range in accordance with a user's singing range.

(4) Audio recording function for vocals and instruments.

(5) Song and performance evaluation function (tune, rhythm,pronunciation, and so forth).

(6) A lesson function for carrying out private lessons over theInternet.

(7) A control function for changing the number of repetitions of musicdata in accordance with scoring results.

(8) A data switching function for switching outputted playback data. Inaddition, this data switching function, for example, makes it possibleto repeat, by break units, “a partial playback of an original foreignsong (with lyrics) a reading of a translated version of the lyrics (or ascreen display)→a partial karaoke playback (without lyrics: MIDI file).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing examples of control programs. In FIG. 8,four patterns for controlling the playback of music data on the basis ofbreak information are set. The first pattern is content for beginners,and comprises a pronunciation practice routine and a hearing practiceroutine. For the pronunciation practice routine, a reading speed of 80%is specified, and the recording, playback and evaluation of the user'spronunciation are specified. Further, for the hearing routine, bars areto be repeated three times, and the playback speed is specified so as tobe raised from 80% to 90% and up to 100%, in that order. The secondpattern is content for intermediate level users, and the settings aresuch that the user can input the number of repetitions of bars and theplayback speed. Further, the third pattern is content for advanced level1 users, and the settings are such that the user can input the number ofrepetitions of bars. In addition, the fourth pattern is content foradvanced level 2 users, and the settings are such that the user caninput the number of repetitions of the chorus. Furthermore, the controlprogram shown in FIG. 8 is only one example, and control programfunctions can be set according to the circumstances. Accordingly, atrainer can determine whether to set only the music data playbackfunction, or whether to incorporate recording and evaluation functionsas well.

FLOW OF TRAINING INFORMATION GENERATION PROCESSING

Next, the detailed flow of training information generation processingvia a trainer terminal will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showingthe flow of training information generation processing. A trainerterminal 30 designs a training program for a song A based on a trainer'sinstructions (STEP 900). Next, when the trainer selects a song file forpreparing song A training information, the trainer terminal 30 reads outthe selected song file from the HDD 304, and generates songidentification information. More specifically, the trainer terminal 30extracts characteristic information from the read-out song file inaccordance with a prescribed extraction condition, and generates andregisters song identification information comprising the extractedcharacteristic information and the extraction condition (STEP 901).Furthermore, song identification information will be explained in thethird embodiment. Next, break information for the song A is prepared andregistered on the basis of trainer instructions (STEP 902), and if thetrainer instructs it, additional information is prepared and registered(STEP 903).

When break information and additional information registration is over,the trainer gives break information-based music data playback methodinstructions and so forth to the trainer terminal 30, and the trainerterminal 30 generates and registers a control program based on thetrainer's instructions (STEP 904). Thereafter, when operationconfirmation testing is over (STEP 905), the training information forsong A is complete. The completed training information is transmitted tothe server 10 together with the song code for the song A (STEP 906).

FLOW OF TRAINING INFORMATION REGISTRATION PROCESSING

Next, the detailed flow of training information registration processingby the server will be explained. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flowof training information registration processing.

The server 10 receives training information and a song code for the songto which the training information corresponds from the trainer terminal30 (STEP 1001). The server 10 generates a training code for uniquelyspecifying the training information, and assigns this code to thetraining information (STEP 1002). Then, the server 10 correspondentlyregisters the song code and the training code in the management DB (STEP1003). This makes it possible to search for the training informationusing the song as the search key. The server 10 correspondentlyregisters the training code, training information and price in thetraining DB (STEP 1004).

FLOW OF TRAINING INFORMATION RECEPTION PROCESSING

Next, the detailed flow of training information reception processing bya terminal will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow oftraining information reception processing. The user searches for thetraining information for a desired song via a training informationsearch screen. When the user selects an acquisition condition for adesired song, training information and break information on the traininginformation search screen, and chooses the get data button, the userterminal 20 determines that a song and training information have beenselected by the user (STEP 1101; Yes), and transmits the song code ofthe selected song, the training code of the training information, andthe acquisition condition (for example, break information only=A, andbreak information plus additional information=B) to the server 10 (STEP1102). Thereafter, when the user terminal 20 receives the traininginformation from the server (STEP 1103), it correspondently stores thetraining information, training code and song code in a prescribedstorage area of the HDD 204 (STEP 1104).

FLOW OF TRAINING INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION PROCESSING

Next, the detailed flow of training information distribution processingby the server will be explained. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flowof training information distribution processing. When the server 10receives a song code, training code and an acquisition condition fromthe user terminal 20 (S1201), it searches the management DB inaccordance with the received song code and training code (S1202). Whenrelevant training information is registered in the management DB, adetermination is made as to whether or not to transmit only breakinformation in accordance with the acquisition condition (S1203).

When the acquisition condition is A, the server 10 makes thedetermination to transmit only break information, and it transmits breakinformation and a control program corresponding to the training codefrom the training DB (S1205). By contrast, when the acquisitioncondition is B, the server 10 makes the determination to transmit breakinformation and additional information, and transmits break information,a control program and additional information corresponding to thetraining code from the training DB (S1206). When the server 10 transmitsthe training information, it updates the download frequency of themanagement DB and the billing information of the user DB (S1207).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing examples of training information datastructures transmitted via the server 10. The training information of asong A comprises break information, a control program, additionalinformation and song identification information. The control programcomprises a plurality of control programs (from pattern 1 to pattern n).Further, additional information includes lyric information comprising atext format, accompaniment information comprising a MIDI format, andlesson information comprising an image format and so forth. Songidentification information includes characteristic information of musicdata, an extraction condition for extracting this characteristicinformation and so forth. Song identification information will beexplained in the third embodiment.

MUSIC DATA PLAYBACK PROCESSING

Next, the detailed flow of music data playback processing based ontraining information will be explained. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showingtraining information-based music data playback processing.

When training software is started up on a user terminal 20, the CPU 202displays the training execution screen and waits for the user to inputthe training start command. When the user inputs the command forcommencing training (STEP 1401; Yes), the user terminal 20 displays alist of songs capable of being selected, and prompts the user to selecta song that will be used for training, and to select the traininginformation. When the user selects a song and training information (STEP1402; Yes), the terminal 20 reads out training information correspondingto the song code of the selected song and the training code of thetraining information from the HDD 204, and prompts the user to select acontrol program pattern. Furthermore, the constitution can also be suchthat, when the song and the training information correspond to oneanother on a one-to-one basis, the song alone is selected.

When the user inputs a pattern selection (STEP 1403; Yes), a controlprogram corresponding to the selected pattern is read in (STEP 1404).Then, when the training information includes additional information, andthe user downloads this additional information (STEP 1405; Yes), theuser terminal 20 references break information on the basis of thecontrol program, displays music data and additional information, andcarries out playback, recording and evaluation output (STEP 1406).Conversely, when training information does not comprise additionalinformation, or when the user does not download additional information(STEP 1405; No), the user terminal 20 references break information onthe basis of the control program, and plays back the music data (STEP1407).

SCREEN CONFIGURATION

FIG. 15 (A) is a diagram representing an example of a traininginformation search screen (1) displayed on the screen of a user terminal20. In the training information search screen (1), there are providedareas for displaying song names and detailed information comprising analbum specified in advance by a user, and an overview of the traininginformation. In the training information search screen (1), there arealso disposed a selection button for selecting a training song, andbuttons for specifying movement between screens. When the user selects adesired song, and selects the “Next” button, the screen transitions tothe training information search screen (2) shown in FIG. 15 (B).

Training information search screen (2) provides areas for displayingdetailed information of the training information for a user-selectedsong, and a data acquisition button for specifying the downloading oftraining information. Here, it is clear that a plurality of trainersgenerated training information for song “bbb.” The user selects thetraining information that suits him best, and by selecting the “GetData” button, is able to download the corresponding traininginformation. When the training information downloading is instructed bythe user, the user terminal 20 sends a download request comprising thetraining code and song code of the selected training information.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a training commencementscreen displayed on the screen of a terminal 20. The trainingcommencement screen provides areas for displaying an album name, a songname, and a trainer name, and areas for displaying training levels.Training commences when a user selects the desired level and selects the“Start” button.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a training execution screendisplayed on a terminal 20. The training execution screen providesvarious areas for displaying information corresponding to trainingexecution content. Further, it also provides a variety of buttons forcontrolling the progress of training. Furthermore, FIG. 17 is a trainingexecution screen for when a user selects a beginner level (pronunciationpractice, recording, playback and evaluation in bar units) program. Thisscreen enables a user to compare his waveform with that of the trainer,and also to learn his weaknesses and faults through his scoring results.Further, since a user's progress is also displayed on the screen, itbecomes possible for the user to master a piece of music by grasping thestate of his lessons.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a user profile registrationscreen displayed on the screen of a terminal 20. The user profileregistration screen is the screen for registering user informationinputted by a user in the terminal 20 as a profile. On the basis ofregistered user profile information, for example, the terminal 20 canalso automatically select and execute a training level. Further, if userprofile information is registered in advance in the server, the server10 can also distribute guidance on the latest training information basedon registered user profile information.

EFFECTS OF THIS EMBODIMENT

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, it becomes possible for atrainer to prepare an original training program based on an existingcopyright-protected original work, and for a user to effectively mastera purchased original work by using this training program.

Further, by distributing training information (contents) over theInternet, it becomes possible for the trainer business (the educationservices business) to develop and expand education services withoutgeographical and time constraints, making it possible to provide betterservices at lower costs as a result.

Further, it is possible to construct an infrastructure for distributingtraining programs globally via the Internet. This will make it possibleto provide a scheme that bridges markets for appreciating original worksand markets related to self expression (for example, the karaoke market,concerts, theatrical performances, language learning and the like).

Further, if training programs for learning foreign-language songs areprepared, users will be able to enjoy singing foreign language songs viakaraoke without having to know the meaning and grammar of the foreignlanguage.

Furthermore, the explanation given for the above-mentioned embodimentwas one in which a trainer prepared the training information, but it isalso possible for a user to prepare his own special training informationusing training information generation software that has been modifiedfor users.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

A second embodiment is characterized in that training information for anoriginal work (break information, control program, additionalinformation) is recorded on a prescribed recording medium anddistributed to users. For the first embodiment, it was explained thatthe user acquires training information for a desired song from a server.However, there are also situations in which there is no predeterminedtarget song, such as when the object is to learn how to play aprescribed instrument like a guitar or piano without specifying aprescribed song, or when the object is to study a prescribed music genrelike jazz or classical music, or when the object is to learn a languagelike German or Italian, or when the object is to practice a musicalpiece for an event like a wedding or graduation ceremony.

Accordingly, the second embodiment is constituted such that sample dataof songs corresponding to related training information is packaged anddistributed to users so as to enable them to effectively learn a pieceof music from a variety of angles. Distribution to users can be achievedvia a method whereby packaged software, which packages together traininginformation and sample data, is recorded on a prescribed recordingmedium and this recording medium is distributed, or a method, wherebythe packaged software is downloaded to a user terminal 20 over anetwork. This makes it possible for a user to acquire traininginformation corresponding to his objective, and also enables him toselect a musical piece that he will actually practice by listening tothe sample data.

The constitution of a scheme related to the second embodiment will beexplained here using FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows a scheme for recordingpackaged software, which packages together training information andsample data, on a prescribed recording medium, and distributing thisrecording medium. In the second embodiment, the server 10′ comprises atraining DB for storing training information, and a music DB for storingmusic data, and generates packaged software that packages togethertraining information and sample music data based on the data in theseDBs. Then, the server 10′ generates a for-distribution recording mediumfor storing this generated packaged software. Furthermore, sample musicdata signifies data comprising the data of a portion of a song for thepurpose of listening to an original work.

First of all, similar to the first embodiment, a trainer preparestraining information for a piece of music (FIG. 19 (1)), and registersit in a server 10′ (FIG. 19 (2)). The server 10′ registers the traininginformation in the training DB, and, in addition, associates thetraining information in accordance with a prescribed condition. Thetraining information, for example, is associated with conditions like“training for Italian-language learning,” or “training for performing ata wedding ceremony.” Further, the server 10′ generates packaged softwarewhich associates training information with sample data of the song ofthe training information. Then, the server 10′ records the generatedpackaged software on one or a plurality of recording media. Thus, arecording medium 60 on which is recorded packaged software that packagestogether training information and sample music data is generated (FIG.19 (3)).

The generated recording medium 60 is distributed to users either for afee or gratuitously via a prescribed route (FIG. 19 (4)). Various routescan be employed as distribution routes, such as independently via storesales, bundled together with education software, or distributed free ofcharge as novelty software. A user who obtains a recording medium 60confirms the list of training information recorded on the recordingmedium 60, and listens to the sample music data. Then, if the user findsa song that he likes from among the sample music, he can purchase the CDwith that song at that time (FIG. 19 (5)). After purchasing the CD, theuser can then learn a piece of music based on the training informationvia the procedure described in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, in a case where the packaged software is downloaded to auser terminal 20 via a network, the present invention can be constitutedsuch that the generated packaged software is distributed to a userterminal 20 over the Internet as shown in FIG. 1.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

A third embodiment is characterized in that it determines the identityof music data, typically, it determines whether or not the music data(song data) that is to be played back repeatedly on the basis oftraining information is the same as the music data that the useractually selected.

A user, who purchases a recording medium 50 on which is recorded anoriginal work, can copy the music, that is the music data recorded onthis recording medium 50, to the HDD 204 of the terminal 20 in aprescribed file format, and can listen to and/or sing the music byplaying it back at his discretion.

With regard to this point, the present invention, as describedhereinabove, is constituted such that a user can master an original workmore effectively than when he simply plays it back by repeatedly playingback the original work music data in accordance with traininginformation. A user, who purchases a recording medium 50 on which isrecorded an original work, copies the music, that is, the music data tothe HDD 204, and, in addition, downloads training informationcorresponding to the music data from the server 10. Then, by running thetraining software, and respectively selecting the downloaded traininginformation and music data copied to the HDD 204, the music data isrepeatedly played back on the terminal 20 in accordance with thetraining information, and the user can implement training.

However, because a training system like this is constituted such thatthe user himself selects the music data to be played back, there is thedanger that the user will not be able to implement training properly ifhe selects the wrong music data. It is especially easy for a user tomistakenly select a song file when the user is storing a large amount ofmusic data, that is, song files on the terminal 20, when large numbersof song files with similar song names exist, and when a plurality ofversions of the same song exist.

For example, it is supposed that, after selecting training informationcorresponding to song A, a user selects the music data for song A′ asthe data to be repeated. In this case, proper training cannot beimplemented because song A′ will be repeatedly played back in accordancewith the training information for song A.

Accordingly, this embodiment is constituted so as to determine whetheror not the music data of a song file, which a user selects as theplayback target, is the music data that corresponds to the traininginformation, thereby preventing the playback of unintended music data.

Further, today a trainer or a user can convert music data recorded on arecording medium 50 to various file formats and store it on HDD 304.PCM, MP3 and WMA are known as typical file formats for storing musicdata. A trainer or user can create optional digital audio files (songfiles) for the same music data by selecting such setting conditions asthe sampling rate (amount of data per second), bit rate (data size persecond), number of channels (stereo, monaural, joint stereo) and soundvolume.

Consequently, even if a trainer and user are targeting the same musicdata, when their respective setting conditions differ, song files withdifferent file formats, file sizes, sound quality and sound volumes arecreated. Therefore, for example, it is impossible to determine whetheror not respective song files were prepared from the same music data bysimply comparing the file size of a song file of music data that atrainer targeted when he generated training information against the filesize of a song file that a user specified for playback.

Accordingly, this embodiment determines whether or not respective songfiles were prepared on the basis of the same music data by extractingcharacteristic information based on a prescribed extraction conditionfrom the music data of the song files to be compared, and comparing thischaracteristic information. More specifically, characteristicinformation based on a prescribed extraction condition is extracted fromthe music data of the song file (for example, an MP3 format) used whenthe trainer generated training information and the music data of thesong file (for example, a WMA format) used when the user implementedtraining, respectively, and these are compared.

Characteristic information of music data used to generate traininginformation is typically extracted in accordance with a prescribedextraction condition from a trainer-specified song file during traininginformation generation processing as shown in FIG. 9. The extractedcharacteristic information is included in a portion of the traininginformation as song identification information together with aprescribed extraction condition. Furthermore, the prescribed extractioncondition can either be set beforehand in the training informationgeneration software, or can be arbitrarily set by a trainer.

The detailed flow of song data playback processing related to thisembodiment will be explained next. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing songdata playback processing related to this embodiment. Furthermore, thepremise here is that the user has already used the terminal 20 todownload the training information, which comprises, as songidentification information, the characteristic information of the musicdata used to generate training information and the extraction conditionby which this characteristic information was extracted.

When a user operates inputting means 212 of the terminal 20 and inputsthe command for starting up training software stored in the HDD 204, theCPU 202 reads out the training software from the HDD 204, loads it intomemory 210 and executes it. The CPU 202 displays a prescribed trainingexecution screen in accordance with the training software, and waits forthe user to input a training commencement command (STEP 2001).

When the command for commencing training is inputted by the user viainputting means 212 (STEP 2001; Yes), the CPU 202 generates a list ofsongs and training information for enabling user training by referencingthe training information in the HDD 204, displays this list onoutputting means 216, and prompts the user to select a training song andtraining information (STEP 2002).

When the user selects a prescribed song and training information viainputting means 212 (STEP 2002; Yes), the CPU 202 temporarily stores thesong code of the selected song and the training code of the traininginformation in a prescribed storage area of memory 210. It alsogenerates a list of file names of song files stored in the HDD 204,displays this list on outputting means 216, and prompts the user toselect a song file for playback (STEP 2003).

When the user selects a prescribed song file via inputting means 212(STEP 2003; Yes), the CPU 202 references song identification informationcomprising the training information of the HDD 204 in accordance withthe training code stored in memory 210, and reads out the characteristicinformation and extraction condition of the song for which the traininginformation was intended (STEP 2004). Next, the CPU 202, in accordancewith the read-out extraction condition, executes extraction processingfor extracting the characteristic information from the music data of thesong file selected for playback (STEP 2005).

When extraction processing is executed, the CPU 202 compares the songcharacteristic information read out from the training informationagainst the characteristic information extracted from the music data ofthe song file, and makes a determination as to whether or not the twocoincide with one another (STEP 2006). When the CPU 202 determines thatthe two coincide (STEP 2007; Yes), it continues training processing onthe supposition that the music data covered by the training informationis the same as the music data of the song file targeted for playback(STEP 2008). More specifically, the CPU 202 executes the patternselection processing shown in STEP 1403 of FIG. 14.

Conversely, when the CPU 202 determines that the two do not coincide(STEP 2007; No), it continues a prescribed error processing on thesupposition that the music data covered by the training information isnot the same as the music data of the song file that the user selected(STEP 2009). More specifically, the CPU 202 displays on outputting means216 a message to the effect that the user-selected song file is notcorrect, and returns to the song file selection processing of STEP 2003.

Thus, according to this embodiment, since the constitution is such thatcharacteristic information of the music data of the song file specifiedby the user for playback is compared against the characteristicinformation of the music data covered by the training information, itbecomes possible to prevent the execution of training geared toward themusic data of a song file that a user mistakenly selected.

Further, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to determinewhether or not the music data is the same even when the music data usedby the trainer and user are in different file formats.

Furthermore, processing for determining whether or not music datacoincides by comparing the characteristic information of the music datalike this is not limited to training execution time. For example, it canalso be applied when a user downloads training information. This isbecause a user can download desired training information from thetraining information search screen (Refer to FIG. 15), but if thedownloaded training information does not coincide with a user-held songfile, the downloaded training information is useless.

More specifically, prior to downloading training information, the server10 sends the song identification information of the previously selectedtraining information to the user terminal 20. When the user selectsdesired training information via the training information search screen,the user terminal 20 does not carry out downloading right away, butrather prompts the user to select a song file for training. Once a songfile has been selected, the user terminal 20 extracts characteristicinformation from the selected song file in accordance with theextraction condition included in the previously sent song identificationinformation. Then, it compares the characteristic information containedin the song identification information against the characteristicinformation extracted from the song file, and determines whether or notthe two coincide. When the two coincide, it downloads the selectedtraining information, and when the two do not coincide, it outputs amessage to the effect that the user song file does not correspond to thetraining information.

Accordingly, a user can find out if the song file he has coincides withtraining information before downloading the training information. Thus,it becomes possible to prevent a situation in which downloaded traininginformation cannot be executed.

Further, processing for comparing the characteristic information ofmusic data can also be used to retrieve training information. Forexample, there are instances when a user will want to retrieve traininginformation that corresponds to music (a song file) that he has. In acase like this, characteristic information is extracted from the musicdata of the user-selected song file, and a search request comprisingthis characteristic information is sent to the server 10. The server 10searches the training DB in accordance with the characteristicinformation in the sent search request, acquires from the training DBtraining information having characteristic information that coincideswith the characteristic information in the search request, and returns alist of the training information to the user terminal 20.

Accordingly, since it becomes possible for a user to easily and quicklyretrieve training information corresponding to music (a song file) thathe possesses, user convenience is enhanced.

Furthermore, besides the music data copied to the HDD 204, a user canalso select for direct playback music data recorded on a recordingmedium 50. In this case, the user selects for playback a song recordedon a recording medium 50 by inserting the recording medium 50 into theDVD/CD-ROM drive 214.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The above-mentioned embodiments are examples used to explain the presentinvention, and the present invention is not purported to be limited toonly these embodiments. The present invention can be put into practicein a variety of aspects without departing from the spirit thereof.Further, in the above-mentioned flowcharts, reception processing forrequest messages was explained sequentially, but the present inventioncan also be constituted such that the processing order is eitherswitched or carried out in parallel without causing discrepancies inoperation.

For example, it is also possible to constitute the present inventionsuch that a list of training information is presented to a user, andwhen the user selects desired training information, the traininginformation is bundled together with music data and provided to theuser. This will be briefly explained hereinbelow.

A server holds training information and song data corresponding totraining information in readiness. Then, in response to a user request,the server sends a list of providable training information to the userterminal. The user selects desired training information from the list oftraining information, and if he does not have the song for that traininginformation, he can choose to download song data. When the user selectsthe downloading of training information and song data, the server sendsthe selected training information and song data to the user terminal.

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, since a user cansimultaneously acquire training information and music data when he wantsto sing a certain song, it becomes possible to purchase traininginformation and music as the need arises. It also becomes possible forrecord/CD businesses that sell music to acquire a new marketing route byselling music bundled with training information. In addition, accordingto the above-mentioned embodiment, it also becomes possible to linkusers to record/CD businesses via a new scheme that calls for providingan original work and training information intended for this originalwork.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible for a user toeffectively learn an original work.

1. A training system comprising a user terminal for executing trainingfor user skill acquisition by using music data of an original work; atrainer terminal for generating training information for user skillacquisition; and a server for carrying out communications with the userterminal and the trainer terminal over a network, wherein: the trainerterminal comprises: generating means for generating, based on trainerinstructions, training information related to the original work musicdata; and transmitting means for transmitting generated traininginformation to the server, the server comprises: distributing means fordistributing received training information to the user terminal, and theuser terminal comprises: playback means for repeatedly playing back theoriginal work music data based on distributed training information. 2.The training system according to claim 1, characterized in that saidgenerated training information includes break information for showingarbitrary breaks in music data, and said user terminal playback meansspecifies parts to be played back in the music data on the basis of thebreak information included in distributed training information, andrepeatedly plays back the specified parts.
 3. The system according toclaim 1, characterized in that said generated training informationincludes a control program for controlling the playback of music data onthe basis of break information, and said user terminal playback meansreferences the break information in accordance with the control programincluded in distributed training information, and repeatedly plays backthe music data.
 4. The training system according to claim 1,characterized in that said generated training information includesadditional information to be played back in association with music data,and said user terminal further comprises outputting means for outputtingthe additional information in association with music data in accordancewith a control program included in distributed training information. 5.The training system according to claim 1, characterized in that saidgenerated training information includes characteristic information ofsaid music data, which is extracted in accordance with a prescribedextraction condition from music data corresponding to the traininginformation, and said user terminal further comprises determinationmeans for extracting, from music data intended for playback,characteristic information of the music data in accordance with saidprescribed extraction condition, and determining whether or not thisextracted characteristic information coincides with characteristicinformation included in distributed training information.
 6. Thetraining system according to claim 1 characterized in that said serverfurther comprises calculation means for calculating, in accordance withthe distribution status of training information, an amount to be billedto a user and an amount to be paid to a trainer.
 7. A training methodbased on a training system comprising a user terminal for executingtraining for user skill acquisition by using music data of an originalwork; a trainer terminal for generating training information for userskill acquisition; and a server for carrying out communications with theuser terminal and the trainer terminal over a network, wherein: saidtrainer terminal generates, based on trainer instructions, traininginformation related to music data of an original work, and transmittingthis generated training information to the server; said serverdistributes received training information to the user terminal; and saiduser terminal repeatedly plays back the original work music data basedon the distributed training information.
 8. The system according toclaim 2, characterized in that said generated training informationincludes a control program for controlling the playback of music data onthe basis of break information, and said user terminal playback meansreferences the break information in accordance with the control programincluded in distributed training information, and repeatedly plays backthe music data.
 9. The training system according to claim 2,characterized in that said generated training information includesadditional information to be played back in association with music data,and said user terminal further comprises outputting means for outputtingthe additional information in association with music data in accordancewith a control program included in distributed training information. 10.The training system according to claim 3, characterized in that saidgenerated training information includes additional information to beplayed back in association with music data, and said user terminalfurther comprises outputting means for outputting the additionalinformation in association with music data in accordance with a controlprogram included in distributed training information.
 11. The trainingsystem according to claim 2, characterized in that said generatedtraining information includes characteristic information of said musicdata, which is extracted in accordance with a prescribed extractioncondition from music data corresponding to the training information, andsaid user terminal further comprises determination means for extracting,from music data intended for playback, characteristic information of themusic data in accordance with said prescribed extraction condition, anddetermining whether or not this extracted characteristic informationcoincides with characteristic information included in distributedtraining information.
 12. The training system according to claim 3,characterized in that said generated training information includescharacteristic information of said music data, which is extracted inaccordance with a prescribed extraction condition from music datacorresponding to the training information, and said user terminalfurther comprises determination means for extracting, from music dataintended for playback, characteristic information of the music data inaccordance with said prescribed extraction condition, and determiningwhether or not this extracted characteristic information coincides withcharacteristic information included in distributed training information.13. The training system according to claim 4, characterized in that saidgenerated training information includes characteristic information ofsaid music data, which is extracted in accordance with a prescribedextraction condition from music data corresponding to the traininginformation, and said user terminal further comprises determinationmeans for extracting, from music data intended for playback,characteristic information of the music data in accordance with saidprescribed extraction condition, and determining whether or not thisextracted characteristic information coincides with characteristicinformation included in distributed training information.